Dragon boats have become an annual event in the city of Pittsburgh. In September 2008, culture Eastern style invaded the city as the Pittsburgh Dragon Boat Festival brought excitement and color to the waters of the Allegheny River for the fourth year.

Forty-foot boats, their prow and stern bearing the detailed likeness of a dragon, race in heats, powered by teams of 20 life-jacketed paddlers, a steersman and a drummer. Dragon Boat racing is a growing international water competition, dynamic speeds (a good team can cover 500 meters in about two minutes) make it a fine spectator sport as well.